[nysbirds-l] Trumpeter Swans
One last point copied from the Kingbird ariticle where my reference to records of birds from the Ontario program: The first reports of Trumpeter Swans (Cygnus buccinator) in NYS were of wing-tagged birds at Dunkirk Harbor, Chautauqua Co., in the fall of 1988. Since that time sightings have increased and breeding has been confirmed in at least six locations. Most likely, these NY birds are derived from two sources: the Ontario reintroduction program for this species, and a private reserve in Clyde, Wayne Co., NY where unbanded fledglings have been allowed to roam freely since around 1990. Although less likely, swans from reintroduction programs in Ohio, Michigan, and Minnesota could also be a source for NYS birds. According to the DEC, tagged Trumpeter Swans in NYS are presumed to be from the Canadian reintroduction program north of Lake Ontario. Although most of these programs style themselves as "reintroduction" or "restoration" programs, and they are referred to in this manner below, the original breeding distribution of this species remains a contentious subject (Carroll and Swift 2000; Whan 200point, ; Rising 200 1) -- NYSbirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html 2) http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/NYSB.html 3) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
[nysbirds-l] Trumpeter Swans
I would like to thank Willie D'Anna (infinitely more qualified than I) for clearing up some of my impressions on the status of Trumpeter Swans. Still, having reviewed the information, I feel NYSARC should add Trumpeter Swan to the New York State list. This probably won't happen any time soon, but I'm sure that it will eventually indeed take place. Thank you, John Haas Happy New Year! -- NYSbirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html 2) http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/NYSB.html 3) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
[nysbirds-l] Central Park, NYC 12/31/'10
Friday, 31 December 2010 - Central Park, Manhattan, N.Y. City It wasn't for lack of looking that I did NOT come up with the long- lingering Varied Thrush in the park today - I believe it may still be around, and perhaps was even seen by some of the many others who came seeking it, through its recent haunts? In the area where it had mainly been seen, there were a good variety of more common species, including at least 3 "red" Fox Sparrows, 2 male Eastern Towhees, and 4 species of woodpeckers (N. Flicker, Y.-b. Sapsucker, Downy, & Red- bellied) - while the Red-headed (no red really showing yet) Woodpecker is still around the south path at Sheep Meadow, near the SE corner there, just north of the 66 Street transverse. At least two American Woodcock were found in 2 separate areas, one at the lake shore, another at the parks' north end by the Pool. On the reservoir continue a variety of mainly expected waterfowl & Pied-billed Grebes, American Coots, and gulls of the 3 most typical winter species. A good number of American Robins have arrived in the park in the past week, with continuing roving flocks of Common Grackles all about and sometimes swarming at the Ramble's feeders. The park is starting to thaw a bit yet icy slush & snow hold their grip quite a while in many places. All the tourists are an unending source of human activity, in the many tens of thousands daily. It is likely that a thorough search of the entire park could turn up nearly 60 species even with the recent snow, if one were included fly-by/over raptors & etc. - - - - - ___ Although almost as far from our area as can be, I thought to mention a very nice non-profit organization that is of benefit to birds and other wildlife, and can be supported by - and is very supportive of - visiting birders, who are in the 'relatively' un-birded part of the world sometimes known as Indochina, specifically in the nation of Cambodia, and more specifically at the city which has grown greatly thanks to increasing interest in the ancient ruins and renovation of those ruins at Siem Reap - the organization named for a pioneering native Cambodian wildlife researcher and birder extraordinaire - the Sam Veasna Center for Wildlife Conservation - if anyone is planning a trip to that area, they'll arrange in advance with email, for excellent guides and visits to any number of wonderful sites, from day- trips to multi-day trips and accommodations for single travelers or groups, all benefitting the local communities and good conservation efforts in that country. A nice website for the center is: http://www.samveasna.org/home.php The nation of Cambodia hosts a good number of species, including some charismatic larger birds that have nearly disappeared in much of the region, with the conservation efforts seemingly succeeding in a number of that country's protected areas. (Among the better-known of these rare large birds is their national bird, the Giant Ibis.) I don't normally go on too much about travels so far from home but the organization noted, 'SVC' for shorthand, is really special & deserves much support and definitely a visit if going. A happy & healthy 2011 to all - and lots of great birds! Tom Fiore, Manhattan -- NYSbirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html 2) http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/NYSB.html 3) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
Re: [nysbirds-l] Trumpeter Swans
I wish to clear up some misconceptions in my friend, John Haas's, recent post. > The article infers that an established breeding population must exist before the species will be accepted by NYSARC. The article John refers to is "Guidelines for the Admission of Exotic Species to the New York State Checklist", available at this link: http://www.nybirds.org/KBsearch/y2007v57n1/y2007v57n1p9-11nysarc.pdf. While John's statement above (after the right arrow) is true, he goes on to imply that the statement means that there must be an established breeding population within NY. The reason for this misinterpretation is unclear to me but, in any case, it is patently NOT true. Eurasian Collared-Dove is an example of an exotic species that NY has accepted based upon established breeding populations in other States. The article above states, on Kingbird p. 9 : "... the admission of a particular exotic species to the New York State Checklist depends further on either the presence of established populations within the state, or on the natural occurrence within the state of individuals derived from an established population elsewhere." And, on Kingbird p. 11: "Established populations of exotic species in neighboring states will be regarded as potential sources of natural dispersants or vagrants to New York State. Such records may be accepted by NYSARC if they are judged to be derived from the established source rather than a non-established population or recently released captive birds." > There could be much discussion about this species, but one thing that is clear from our records is that naturally occurring migrants and vagrants have been arriving from the Ontario population for many years. Some of these birds have remained to start their own breeding populations, which if I read correctly, are on the verge of being established in New York in their own right. For the most part, there is little evidence to suggest that birds from Ontario have remained to nest in NY. If anyone has any evidence of that being the case, we would appreciate hearing about it. The NY breeding population does not seem to be on the verge on becoming established in NY. There are essentially two breeding areas - one in the Perch River WMA in Jefferson County and one in Wayne County. For several years only one or two long-lived pairs have bred in the Perch River area and it is unclear if any cygnets have lived to fledging (the young sometimes have deformities). The origin of these swans is unknown. There are a few nests in Wayne County every year but few young birds have been documented to survive to fledging. These swans are derived from a private reserve in this county, which has breeding Trumpeter Swans. The young and most breeding pairs at the reserve are not pinioned. These breeding swans are not from the Ontario population. > Ontario has met the criteria to declare the species as established and has considered it thus since 2007. I would be interested to know if there are other instances when NYSARC has not accepted another state, province or country's decision on whether or not a species is established. NY has written guidelines for accepting exotic species onto the checklist - see the link above - which are clearly different than the criteria used by the Ontario Bird Records Committee. To repeat what Andy Guthrie has already pointed out, it is true that Ontario has accepted Trumpeter Swan on their list based upon their opinion that the population there is self-sustaining but in the opinion of NYSARC, it is not clear that there has been a long-enough period of self-sufficient breeding success to consider such a long-lived species truly established. Trumpeter Swans can live for 20-30 years, so many of the wild born birds are most likely still only first or second generation. The existing population in Ontario has been supplemented by continued introductions until as recently as 2006, and a large portion of the population has been sustained in winter by supplemental feeding programs. It's not clear how well the population will thrive without these human interventions. I cannot answer John's implied question above but perhaps more salient is that NY is not the only records committee that does not consider Trumpeter Swan to be established outside of the west - New Jersey and Florida are two others. Good birding, Willie D'Anna, NYSARC -Original Message- From: bounce-7622403-3714...@list.cornell.edu [mailto:bounce-7622403-3714...@list.cornell.edu] On Behalf Of vanh...@citlink.net Sent: Thursday, December 30, 2010 5:10 PM To: New York Birds Subject: [nysbirds-l] Trumpeter Swans This is a bit of a late chime in, but here is my opinion on the Trumpeter Swans. I read with interest the discussion of Trumpeter Swans in New York State. It has been ten years since I observed my first Trumpeter Swan in New York, and I have had several subsequent observations since that time. Each year the question of
[nysbirds-l] American Bitterns and Wilson's Snipe
Along Dune Rd. this morning (which is 100% cleared of snow and ice) I photographed at least two (possibly three) American Bitterns. The snow packed down much of the spartina grasses, so these birds are much more visible now. There was also a Wilson's Snipe about 1/4 mile East of Dockers feeding in the open water. Photos of both species can be seen here: http://birdsoflongisland.blogspot.com/2010/12/american-bitterns-and-wilsons-snipe_31.html -- - Luke www.WildLongIsland.blogspot.com www.BirdsOfLongIsland.blogspot.com -- NYSbirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html 2) http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/NYSB.html 3) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
[nysbirds-l] Smith Point/EPCAL-Grumans
EPCAL/Grumans No Lark Sparrow but I had a Merlin swoop within a foot of me to go after the Junco flock. Also had 3 Pipits and 4 Bluebirds fly over. Smith Point 1 Glaucous Gull 1 Razorbill 6 Pipits 2 Longspurs 1 Peregrine Horned Larks and Snow Buntings -- NYSbirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html 2) http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/NYSB.html 3) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
[nysbirds-l] Smith Point/EPCAL-Grumans
EPCAL/Grumans No Lark Sparrow but I had a Merlin swoop within a foot of me to go after the Junco flock. Also had 3 Pipits and 4 Bluebirds fly over. Smith Point 1 Glaucous Gull 1 Razorbill 6 Pipits 2 Longspurs 1 Peregrine Horned Larks and Snow Buntings -- NYSbirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html 2) http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/NYSB.html 3) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
[nysbirds-l] American Bitterns and Wilson's Snipe
Along Dune Rd. this morning (which is 100% cleared of snow and ice) I photographed at least two (possibly three) American Bitterns. The snow packed down much of the spartina grasses, so these birds are much more visible now. There was also a Wilson's Snipe about 1/4 mile East of Dockers feeding in the open water. Photos of both species can be seen here: http://birdsoflongisland.blogspot.com/2010/12/american-bitterns-and-wilsons-snipe_31.html -- - Luke www.WildLongIsland.blogspot.com www.BirdsOfLongIsland.blogspot.com -- NYSbirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html 2) http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/NYSB.html 3) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
Re: [nysbirds-l] Trumpeter Swans
I wish to clear up some misconceptions in my friend, John Haas's, recent post. The article infers that an established breeding population must exist before the species will be accepted by NYSARC. The article John refers to is Guidelines for the Admission of Exotic Species to the New York State Checklist, available at this link: http://www.nybirds.org/KBsearch/y2007v57n1/y2007v57n1p9-11nysarc.pdf. While John's statement above (after the right arrow) is true, he goes on to imply that the statement means that there must be an established breeding population within NY. The reason for this misinterpretation is unclear to me but, in any case, it is patently NOT true. Eurasian Collared-Dove is an example of an exotic species that NY has accepted based upon established breeding populations in other States. The article above states, on Kingbird p. 9 : ... the admission of a particular exotic species to the New York State Checklist depends further on either the presence of established populations within the state, or on the natural occurrence within the state of individuals derived from an established population elsewhere. And, on Kingbird p. 11: Established populations of exotic species in neighboring states will be regarded as potential sources of natural dispersants or vagrants to New York State. Such records may be accepted by NYSARC if they are judged to be derived from the established source rather than a non-established population or recently released captive birds. There could be much discussion about this species, but one thing that is clear from our records is that naturally occurring migrants and vagrants have been arriving from the Ontario population for many years. Some of these birds have remained to start their own breeding populations, which if I read correctly, are on the verge of being established in New York in their own right. For the most part, there is little evidence to suggest that birds from Ontario have remained to nest in NY. If anyone has any evidence of that being the case, we would appreciate hearing about it. The NY breeding population does not seem to be on the verge on becoming established in NY. There are essentially two breeding areas - one in the Perch River WMA in Jefferson County and one in Wayne County. For several years only one or two long-lived pairs have bred in the Perch River area and it is unclear if any cygnets have lived to fledging (the young sometimes have deformities). The origin of these swans is unknown. There are a few nests in Wayne County every year but few young birds have been documented to survive to fledging. These swans are derived from a private reserve in this county, which has breeding Trumpeter Swans. The young and most breeding pairs at the reserve are not pinioned. These breeding swans are not from the Ontario population. Ontario has met the criteria to declare the species as established and has considered it thus since 2007. I would be interested to know if there are other instances when NYSARC has not accepted another state, province or country's decision on whether or not a species is established. NY has written guidelines for accepting exotic species onto the checklist - see the link above - which are clearly different than the criteria used by the Ontario Bird Records Committee. To repeat what Andy Guthrie has already pointed out, it is true that Ontario has accepted Trumpeter Swan on their list based upon their opinion that the population there is self-sustaining but in the opinion of NYSARC, it is not clear that there has been a long-enough period of self-sufficient breeding success to consider such a long-lived species truly established. Trumpeter Swans can live for 20-30 years, so many of the wild born birds are most likely still only first or second generation. The existing population in Ontario has been supplemented by continued introductions until as recently as 2006, and a large portion of the population has been sustained in winter by supplemental feeding programs. It's not clear how well the population will thrive without these human interventions. I cannot answer John's implied question above but perhaps more salient is that NY is not the only records committee that does not consider Trumpeter Swan to be established outside of the west - New Jersey and Florida are two others. Good birding, Willie D'Anna, NYSARC -Original Message- From: bounce-7622403-3714...@list.cornell.edu [mailto:bounce-7622403-3714...@list.cornell.edu] On Behalf Of vanh...@citlink.net Sent: Thursday, December 30, 2010 5:10 PM To: New York Birds Subject: [nysbirds-l] Trumpeter Swans This is a bit of a late chime in, but here is my opinion on the Trumpeter Swans. I read with interest the discussion of Trumpeter Swans in New York State. It has been ten years since I observed my first Trumpeter Swan in New York, and I have had several subsequent observations since that time. Each year the question of countability comes
[nysbirds-l] Central Park, NYC 12/31/'10
Friday, 31 December 2010 - Central Park, Manhattan, N.Y. City It wasn't for lack of looking that I did NOT come up with the long- lingering Varied Thrush in the park today - I believe it may still be around, and perhaps was even seen by some of the many others who came seeking it, through its recent haunts? In the area where it had mainly been seen, there were a good variety of more common species, including at least 3 red Fox Sparrows, 2 male Eastern Towhees, and 4 species of woodpeckers (N. Flicker, Y.-b. Sapsucker, Downy, Red- bellied) - while the Red-headed (no red really showing yet) Woodpecker is still around the south path at Sheep Meadow, near the SE corner there, just north of the 66 Street transverse. At least two American Woodcock were found in 2 separate areas, one at the lake shore, another at the parks' north end by the Pool. On the reservoir continue a variety of mainly expected waterfowl Pied-billed Grebes, American Coots, and gulls of the 3 most typical winter species. A good number of American Robins have arrived in the park in the past week, with continuing roving flocks of Common Grackles all about and sometimes swarming at the Ramble's feeders. The park is starting to thaw a bit yet icy slush snow hold their grip quite a while in many places. All the tourists are an unending source of human activity, in the many tens of thousands daily. It is likely that a thorough search of the entire park could turn up nearly 60 species even with the recent snow, if one were included fly-by/over raptors etc. - - - - - ___ Although almost as far from our area as can be, I thought to mention a very nice non-profit organization that is of benefit to birds and other wildlife, and can be supported by - and is very supportive of - visiting birders, who are in the 'relatively' un-birded part of the world sometimes known as Indochina, specifically in the nation of Cambodia, and more specifically at the city which has grown greatly thanks to increasing interest in the ancient ruins and renovation of those ruins at Siem Reap - the organization named for a pioneering native Cambodian wildlife researcher and birder extraordinaire - the Sam Veasna Center for Wildlife Conservation - if anyone is planning a trip to that area, they'll arrange in advance with email, for excellent guides and visits to any number of wonderful sites, from day- trips to multi-day trips and accommodations for single travelers or groups, all benefitting the local communities and good conservation efforts in that country. A nice website for the center is: http://www.samveasna.org/home.php The nation of Cambodia hosts a good number of species, including some charismatic larger birds that have nearly disappeared in much of the region, with the conservation efforts seemingly succeeding in a number of that country's protected areas. (Among the better-known of these rare large birds is their national bird, the Giant Ibis.) I don't normally go on too much about travels so far from home but the organization noted, 'SVC' for shorthand, is really special deserves much support and definitely a visit if going. A happy healthy 2011 to all - and lots of great birds! Tom Fiore, Manhattan -- NYSbirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html 2) http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/NYSB.html 3) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
[nysbirds-l] Trumpeter Swans
I would like to thank Willie D'Anna (infinitely more qualified than I) for clearing up some of my impressions on the status of Trumpeter Swans. Still, having reviewed the information, I feel NYSARC should add Trumpeter Swan to the New York State list. This probably won't happen any time soon, but I'm sure that it will eventually indeed take place. Thank you, John Haas Happy New Year! -- NYSbirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html 2) http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/NYSB.html 3) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
